SuyamaFitEar, Japan's foremost custom IEM maker, has come out with a universal fit version of their flagship monitor, the MH334. As denoted by FitEar's naming scheme, it's a three-way, three-receiver, four-driver earpiece, denoted to be 'Mastering Grade' as it was tuned by recording engineer Mitsuharu Harada. As the TO GO! version of the MH334, the TO GO! 334 sports a precision-machined titanium sound tube directly connected to the treble driver, and a proprietary exit nozzle that provides separate pathways for the mid/low and low frequency drivers.

Though not many people outside of Japan have FitEar's products, they have been very well received. FitEar is believed to provide some of the best and most robust build quality for acrylic-shelled earphones on the planet, as well as top-notch, quality sound.

For people living in Japan, the FitEar TO GO! 334 retails for 105,000¥. For overseas customers, purchase options are limited, but FitEar now has a network of authorized overseas retailers: http://fitear.jp/music/support/dealer.html

In July 2012, FitEar also introduced a second model to the TO GO! universal line with the TO GO! 111. It has since been renamed the FitEar F111 (more discussion here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/619034/fitear-to-go-111-appreciation-discussion-and-reviews-thread). Sporting a lower profile body and an integrated titanium horn bore, the F111 is voiced similarly to the venerable Etymotic ER4S. With a Japanese retail price of 42,800¥, the TO GO! 111 is less expensive than the TO GO! 334.

Following the runaway success of both the TO GO! 334 and the F111, Suyama proceeded to debut the dual-driver, horn-equipped Parterre (more discussion here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/662182/fitear-parterre-appreciation-thread), which prompted a limited release white version, the Parterre Blanc, and now the black and white Mélomane, which is tuned differently from the Parterre. FitEar is poised to release more universal-fit models in the future.

Well, don't think of it as a custom; think of it as an universal based off custom technology. That's what the UM3x is, as well as the SM3. It's just that FitEar has been exclusively a customs and hearing aid manufacturer until now. By their crossing over into the universal side, they're making a push for the high-end universal market, at least for consumers.

And what's the use for a universal like this in the professional world? Well, if these are kept in a studio as a 'designated' monitor, everyone knows what to expect out of the FR. It will essentially be the same monitor to everyone, instead of one person using a JH16, another one using an UERM, etc. Also, sound engineers can share the TO GO! MH334 amongst each other when one person is missing their own IEM.

There are more reasons, but this is what I can think of off the top of my head.

P.S. This universal version is also about 2/3 the price of the full-on custom version of the MH334.

The reason why few people are replying is that FitEar keeps a very low international profile. They do business mostly in Japan, and less around the Asia-Pacific as well. For example, the Jaben network is a dealer for them.

However, they have a stellar reputation for sound quality. A few years back, Shigzeo wrote a review of the Private 333, which he enjoyed immensely. When I heard the demo version of it in Jaben Hong Kong, I was very wowed by it as well. It wasn't quite as technically proficient as the JH13 demo I compared it to, but it came very close, and the overall feel of the sound signature was just as impressive.

It is unclear whether or not Suyama-san, the founder of the customs division of FitEar, is willing to sell the TO GO! MH334 outside of Japan. I've been corresponding with Sasaki, who is close to Suyama, about it. I'm guessing that if he's allowed to, he'll be posting his impressions of the TO GO! MH334 here. I've been told that it sounds very close to a JH13 with a TWag cable upgrade.